The Nate Robertson Market

Nate Robertson’s numbers don’t scream ‘deadline difference maker,’ but he could be just that in the right situation. His ERA is 5.10, his WHIP is 1.49 and he is only striking out 5.3 batters per nine, but Robertson could still appeal to contenders. Here’s why:

Contract

Robertson makes $10MM this year, but the Tigers are paying all but $400K of it. The Marlins only owe the lefty $163K before the end of the season, at which point Robertson's contract expires. Salary-wise, he is as cheap as it gets.

Robertson is not close to Type B status, so free agent compensation is not currently a factor. His team will not offer arbitration even if he shoots into Type B territory.

Performance

Robertson's ERA has been better than the league average in only one season, but against lefties, he has actually been quite effective. For his career, the 32-year-old has 7.1 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9. Robertson allows fewer hits against lefties and induces more ground balls (55% ground ball rate vs. LHB, 44% vs. RHB). Like most pitchers, Robertson fares better against batters the first time they hit against him in a game.

Comments

This is probably the only way that he finds his way on to a contending team. It’s a great idea though, and with Marte going down recently for the Yanks, I wouldn’t be surprised for them to explore such an option.

Hard to think anyone wants this guy. I watch an awful lot of the Fish’s games and this guy is just horrible. Looking at playoff teams that need starters/GM’s that are gullible enough to trade for him, the only one that can see is the Mets and Minaya.. Watch it happen…